Top 10 Skating Locations in New Hampshire

As the list of safe skating ponds and lakes grows, and NHL hockey starts up, it’s coming time to think of where you and your family will go to skate this winter. In a state and region known for good ice hockey, there are piles of hockey and skating rinks throughout the state. Sifting through the noise, we managed to come up with the top 10 skating locations in New Hampshire. Mostly indoor facilities, these locations offer more than just a slate of ice on which to skate.

Nestlenook is an experience. Topping out the list overall and in the category of outdoor skating, this is fun for the whole family. Included in the experience are rentals, sharpening, and ticket packages for families, and wide open skating. Open rates are adults (13+) $10 and children 5-13 $7. Once you’ve skated enough, there’s no need to leave. Head on over for sleigh rides and snow shoeing around the scenic north country trails. Jackson is located just south of Mt. Washington, and just north of North Conway.

The Rinks at Exeter come in a VERY close second to Nestlenook. There is a ton of activity here. This is arguable the nicest facility on the list, with batting cages, rentals, sharpening, hockey development, stick & puck, tournaments, figure skating, and more. If you’re okay with crowds, The Rinks at Exeter offer the best indoor skating experience on this list! Click here for more info about times and rates.

This is another “experience” skating opportunity. Part of what brought this toward the top of the list was that the use of this rink is FREE. Rentals are available for $5/hr. Skating here is year round and is only available for free skating (no hockey or figure skating). The second big factor that brought this to #3 was the incredible environment in which you are skating. On clear days, you’ll catch an incredible view of the presidential range.

Not as busy as The Rinks at Exeter, but Cyclones offers a strong second place for indoor rinks. Public skating times vary and cost $5 per skater. This arena offers rentals and sharpening as well as stick & puck, hockey and skating clinics, and figure skating. A great spot in Southern New Hampshire, just outside of Nashua.

Jackson’s Landing is a unique rink in that it is outdoors, but is covered. You can get the experience of an outdoor rink, while enjoying the comfort of protection from the elements above. Though it offers more than Mt. Washington Resort, it falls to #5 based on it’s limitation in payment method (cash only) and cost of $5/adult(18+) & $3/child. Jackson’s Landing also offers stick & puck times, varying public skating, and varying creative hockey types/times.

JFK is located in the dead-center of Manchester, across from Gill Stadium. JFK makes #6 based on its quality of ice, arena seating capacity, and the number of clubs/teams that call it home. It’s a great location with varying public skate times. This facility includes changing rooms, a snack bar, rentals, and sharpening on-site.

The Tohko Dome is part of King Pine Ski Area. This is a fairly low-traffic rink, with rentals and sharpening available. Pricing is $4/skater on weekdays, and $6/skater on weekends. Ice hockey isn’t allowed on this rink, but they have great hours with lit skating.

The Ice Den is fairly popular among the locals for it’s hockey. It hosts the SNHU Penmen (Division II NCAA), Pinkerton Academy, and a strong youth hockey program. The Ice Den offers public skating at varying scattered times throughout the week however, due to its high number of hockey teams.

Everett doesn’t have a ton to offer. Thanks to its location, and the presence of a pro shop, it made the cut. They offer one public skating session each day and stick practices at varying times. A great spot if you’re local to the Concord area.